Argues that the September-June school calendar, based on economic rather than educational considerations, has outlived its usefulness. Recommends designing a less disruptive schedule to suit children's continuous learning needs, presents several year-round options, and summarizes the benefits of uninterrupted learning. (MLH)

This paper examines the construction of time in education, emphasizing the development of the 180-day school year. A 1991 study showed that schools throughout the United States follow a distinctive time pattern that the report labeled dysfunctional. The norm for required attendance is 180 school days, stretching across a school year that begins in…

A review of 55 works, written before summer 1972, that contain theoretical arguments and/or empirical research for or against year-round operation of colleges and universities. (Author/DN)

Demonstrates that, because of established patterns of student attendance at universities, a change to year-round operation will result in increased undergraduate admission rate. Concludes that, unless an institution is willing to exert control over student attendance patterns, university year-round operation is probably uneconomical. (Author/DN)

Explores the cost savings (efficiency) of a year-round schedule versus a traditional 9-month schedule for 115 schools in Clark County, Nevada, including real-estate capital in the estimated cost functions. The 26 year-round schools experienced efficiencies in cost of capital and other areas, such as operations. (Contains 15 references.) (MLH)

This report examines both the educational and political dimensions of time reform. It presents the findings of a wide range of research on time reform, discusses the impact of various time reforms on the life of schools and beyond, and makes recommendations for policymakers about how to best leverage time in and out of school to improve student…

Increasing enrollments and budget problems have prompted many school districts nationwide to experiment with year-round school schedules. Year-round school schedules allow districts to serve more students without constructing more buildings. As in traditional 9-month schools, students in year-round schools attend classes about 180 days a year. The…

The idea of converting to year-round education (YRE) comes from different sources, such as communities concerned about idle youth and taxpayer groups upset about empty buildings during the summer. The most prevalent reasons are overcrowded schools and unavailable construction funds, due to failed school bond proposals or refusal to raise taxes.…

The rising costs of education could be reduced by substituting a four-quarter rotational school calendar for the traditional school calendar. Under this system, each student would attend three continuous quarters and have the fourth quarter off. One fourth of the students would thus be on vacation each quarter, and one-fourth less teachers would…

This presentation describes the year-round school operation of the Chula Vista City School District in California. Chula Vista adopted the 45-15 year-round plan to help ease a shortage of classroom space while maintaining a quality program for children. Under the plan, each pupil attends school for about nine weeks and then has vacation for three…

This paper presents a model of a successful student scheduling pattern for a 45-15 year-round middle school (grades 6-8). The model allows for scheduling 100 percent of resource lab teaching time for all the student population in attendance at any one time, and formulates a house design and team teaching structure that facilitates smooth ingress…

This report is designed to provide the Dade County, Florida school board with an overview of the present status of the secondary quinmester program, an overview of the elementary quinmester program, and the projected plans for the continued development of the elementary quinmester program. (Author)

This bibliography lists, describes, and identifies 153 sources of pertinent information about extended school year programs. The material is organized into (1) books, pamphlets, articles, and reports; (2) theses and abstracts; and (3) filmstrips and bibliographies. Those items available through the ERIC system are so indicated. (Author/MLF)

An assistant superintendent describes the background and economic advantages of a continuous school year plan in which students attend school for 45 class days and vacation for 15 days. Students are divided into four rotating shifts -- three groups are in class while the fourth group is on vacation. (MLF)